bigdaddy : I would not expect to see much in the way of incentives for a while. I suspect demand will be big on this truck for a while and supply will be small. That said, you can always negotiate at a Chevy dealer! The LT is probably closer to the VUE V6 models in terms of equipment. The LS is a bit of a stripper.
ateixeira : Hope Nissan doesn't make the Pathfinder wierd like the Murano and Quest. Pathfinder is really one of the nicest looking SUVs on the road.
For a FWD, these prices seem high. AWD will probably add almost 2K to the list prices. Basic group packages will add another 1K. Loaded LT's will push the 30K mark. You can get Trailblazers for less then that. Hmmmm. I guess the Chinese V6 didn't keep the base price under 18K.
HHR looks pretty cool. If it's practical, it'll last beyond the trendy newness.
Only thing I don't like are those Jeep Liberty tail lights.
dindak: did you see the Dunehawk concept? The Pathfinder is inspired by that, which looks nothing like the rounded off Murano and Quest. It'll be on a truck platform, vs. the current unibody, too. I expect a blocky/aggressive style more like the Armada.
AWD shouldn't cost a full $2 grand. I'd guess half that. 4WD Chevys usually come with skid plates and beefed up suspensions that I doubt the Nox will get.
Chevy web site was updated. AWD LS $23,535 LT $24,900 so yea, $2K more on the LS and 1.6K more on the LT. Hell, a moonroof costs $600-900 on many cars. No problem getting a Nox over 28K!
I've been noticing some shocking MSRP's on some new cars and trucks. I think the new game plan is start out high and take the suckers that will pay top dollar to be the first ones and then make everyone happy with cash backs. Hell, people will pay over 32K for a Holden GTO, why not?
...still parked outside Union Station. Under a little tent....music playing through a P.A. system...some flacks standing around, handing out those little website cards......nobody seems to be asking them any questions....they aren't offering any info either....just trying to get the vehicle "in our face", I guess.
bigdaddy : Incentives are always more in the U.S. Malibu has no cash back up here and 0% for 48/ 3.9% for 60 mo. That's it. Selling with out them according to the sales guy I talked to.
wheelz : I forgot about that, I meant to stop and see yesterday. Hopefully I will be down next week again. I'd love to see it again, it's total eye candy.
"An old-tech V6 engine will not demand those kind of prices."
that comment is applicable to many GM vehicles. It probably isn't as big a deal with the Equinox as it is for a say, Grand Prix, but yeah, IT DOES MATTER.
GM must be building 5k worth of incentives into sticker on all their vehicles now.
DETROIT - The all-new Chevrolet Equinox will have a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $21,560 when it arrives in Chevrolet dealerships starting in mid-March. The price, which includes the $565 dealer freight charge, puts the stylish V-6-powered Equinox squarely in the heart of the compact utility segment.
We believe Equinox provides a perfect balance of style, comfort and SUV capabilities, said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manager. A spacious interior, excellent ride and handling, and terrific looks will help Equinox set a new standard for compact sport utility vehicles.
Equinox is offered in LS and LT models. The MSRP for the LS model is $21,560, while the LT model carries an MSRP of $23,275. Prices include a $565 destination charge.
Equinox features a standard 3400 V-6 engine mated to an Aisin-Warner five-speed automatic transmission. The 185-horsepower engine features a broad torque curve for confident merging and passing, and the transmission has an adaptive learning capacity to ensure shift quality is maintained throughout the vehicles service life.
The Equinox LS standard features include a split-folding sliding rear seat, 16-inch wheels, power windows, remote keyless entry and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. The LT offers additional standard features including cruise control, deep tinted glass, fog lamps, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels and a monochromatic exterior. Both models will be available with an on-demand all-wheel drive option.
The long 112-inch wheelbase and wide stance of Equinox help create a spacious interior and contribute to a controlled ride and confident handling.
A number of unique interior features enhance the vehicles functionality. The Multi-Flex sliding rear seat travels 8 inches for up to 35 cubic feet of cargo capability or limousine-like legroom (nearly 43 inches) for rear-seat passengers. The rear cargo panel system provides multi-level storage, and does duty as a security cover and a tailgating table. In addition, the center console armrest provides concealed storage for smaller items, while the floor storage bin below accommodates larger items such as a backpack.
Equinox offers a great selection of optional equipment, including 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, side head-curtain air bags, leather seating, heated front seats, a six-way power drivers seat and a power sunroof. Also available is an AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, an in-dash six-disc CD player, and a seven-speaker premium sound system. Equinox will also offer OnStar and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only).
Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for front-wheel drive and 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the all-wheel drive.
Not the best highway mileage in the world though. VUE gets 20/28 on the FWD V6. We will be doing a lot of highway so 4 mpg will add up. I was expecting the highway mileage numbers to be closer to the VUE.
of using the wrong engine. The Nox is about 300lbs heavier and even with the same 5-speed auto and I'll assume slightly better aero styling, the highway miles are poor. I'm sure the Honda V6 can run at a lower RPM at highway with the extra HP.
Well, that said the Escape's mileage is about the same so it's not totally out there either. I kind of wonder what real world mileage is with the VUE (ie is it as good as claimed).
It's sad really, how such a nice SUV from Chevrolet (yea, I was suprised...it actually looks good!) gets such a bad engine. At least there's the 5-speed automatic, but it won't help that much. How come they didn't get the same Honda 3.5L in the Vue!?! If our wishes come true, the Equinox will too have a 250HP V6 next year!
You're right about MPG numbers on the Escape. Both weight about the same. Again the Ford 3L is a little low on HP for this size. The Honda V6 helped the Vue get better MPG's then last year's 3.0L right? The Malibu's 3.5L, while just a bored out 3.4, would probably have helped the MPG's.
The VUE 3.5L mileage is slightly lower than the 3.0L but only by 1 mpg I think. That's pretty good considering it has 69 hp more. The Malibu 3.5L would have been the best choice for the NOX, maybe for 05 model.
Hmm, when you compare a CRV EX with automatic with a MSRP of 23K, I'm starting to think that the Nox is not exactly a great deal. No iron pig V6 but with the CRV you do get a moon roof, same options or better and better gas mileage for 2K less. The Nox is only slightly bigger but the rear strut towers look like they make the floor space in the back narrower then the CRV. I might hold off giving up my old CRV until later next year. 7 years old and not a squeak or problem yet. First year GM model, I'm seeing visions of many trips to the dealer for fixes.
Problem is it can't have the Honda 3.5L as that VUE deal is a very specific trade for transmissions. Basically a one shot thing and it only lasts for 5 years.
This is why I say the Malibu 3.5L would be best. Actually, the in-line 4 and 5s from the new Colorado would be even better come to think of it!!
joey.. my sister in law has one. when i rode in it, it seemed very 'tinny' and has a lot of vibrations. needed a new tranny(or rebuild) at 50k, too. still looked brand new, though.
Did the 30K full fluid change ($$$ Ouch). But hey, there were no Vue, Nox, Escape, Freelander, Liberty, etc back then, only the Rav4. So I think Honda did a great job for then. The Gen II is a lot quieter and the 4cyl feels like a six. Probably still get 7-8K for a car I paid less then 18K with tax and title out the door. CRX EX autos are advertised for 22.2K. Put side airbags and a moonroof on a Nox, you're talk'n at least 25K MSRP to get it to the same opton level! I might wait until the summer to see what they go for after the fan fair. The only reason I'll wait is I'll have 3.5K of GM credit card dollars to use. Without that, Chevy would never see me at the dealership door.
"Even if that was true, wouldn't that be a good thing for you the consumer?"
it would make a lot more sense to match the MSRP to their real worth to begin with......
20k+ cavaliers.......need I say more?
in the end the vehicle mostly sells for its real worth value anyways........i just would say that when folks look at a sticker price on a vehicle thats grossly overpriced it conveys a different impression than if the sticker matches the perceived value much better.
people just think its an absurd joke when the cars are stickered so horribly off what the real value is.
its kind of a walmart / kohls mentality. it might get certain types to get excited about average product but it doesn't do much to add value to the brand.
hell, i own a mitsubishi and they are doing the same thing right now. 3k owner loyalty rebates on top of 4k rebates.....great deal sure......but just price the car at the 'real price' to begin with.
thing is, this is the core of GM's whole sales strategy right now. Has nothing to do with whether the product is any good. Just mark it down more like the sunday afternoon end to a weekend rummage sale.
Instead of offering 5k on incentives, they would be wiser to upgrade the plastics and powertrains, and firm up the seats and handling and steering. ANd try not to make ugly vehicles. That might cost em only 1500 more, but then those rebates may not even be needed to sell the vehicle.....
Spoken like a scholar. This kills resale too. Honda's are high because we all know that everyone payed near the MSRP. Hot cars were paying 1 to 3K over MSRP.
hey, i like 'deals' as much as anyone, but sometimes one should understand there's a reason why a car has a 'deal'. Its because its not top of the heap......when all your cars are cut-out bin material it can affect brand image....
Reg : Mitsu is really struggling. They have way better deals than GM does up here as does Chrysler.
Joey : Resale SHOULD be the difference between what you pay and what you sell for. If that was the case, GM would not be as bad as is reported. In my eyes, if I paid $3000 less for my Alero and got 0% for 60 months then I should expect to get that much less when I sell. Only makes sense.
But I think many still think a car looses only 1K/yr. So they want to go back to the dealer in 3 yrs and get $$$$$$ for their car. Don't work that way anymore. If GM puts out 200K units and had to discount 4k off, there's gonna be a sea of other used cars out there. When the Nox was first seen in the car rags, I heard base price under 20K. Great I though, a loaded one would be 23-24K. Now the base LT AWD is 24K and needs at least 2K: want the moonroof, side air bags. The CRV will give me all that for 3K less and better mileage. Better value so better resale value. The Nox's extra HP will go to push the extra weight and while it's bigger then the CRV, the Nox's cargo capacity is around the size of the Vue: 64 cu. ft (someone said 68), the CRV has 72!
With out a doubt the Honda will give you better resale from the list but if demand for the Equinox is strong, even with discounts you will likely see pretty decent resale vs price paid. It's too bad GM did not put a better power plant in this truck but I think we should all wait and see how the end product comes out before deciding it's not any good. Seem like some people here have already predicted doom?
As for price, you are assuming you will pay list for an Equinox. I think you can easily negotiate 10% off that like any other GM. Honda pricing is much more sticky.
Problem with 5k rebates is that you pay sales tax on the amount before the rebate, at least you do in MD.
So that means paying $250 in extra state sales tax.
And for no good reason - MSRP was grossly overpriced in the first place, if you have to knock off $5 grand.
I still contend that they build these rebates into the price, i.e. it's artificially inflated so people think they are getting discounts when really they aren't. The consumer loses - $250 in this case. The state coffers win.
19/24 is not bad for a V6, but given the HP numbers it could be better. The Malibu has more torque than an Accord but gets better mileage. It used to be the other way around.
Now that we know GM can do it, it's kind of disappointing.
The $750 cash back on a Nox if you open a GM credit card will probably be a given to everyone. But there are those who want to be the first on the block with a new model. GM will make a nice profit on them. If they crank out 100K units a year (almost double the Vue production, right?) there might be enough inventory by the end of the summer to trigger some more discounts. I think there's nothing different between the 3.4 and 3.5L (92mm bore x 84mm stroke vs. 94mm bore x 84mm stroke.) That better power to weight ratio would boost MPG. The 3.5L is made in MEXICO and only used in the Malibu this year. All they had to do was send the bigger drill bit to China!
That's exactly what they are exploiting, the first on the block syndrome. But think about it - those owners will suffer severe depreciation and might be upside down on their loans for 4-5 years! You think you're producing loyal customers when that happens?
So dealers make a killer profit once, never to see that customer again. And that's good for GM?
ateixeira : I have noticed GM incentives are not as rich as they were for the 2003s. 0% yes, but only for 48 months and cash backs yes, but lesser amounts. I guess we will see how it goes over the next few months. Some dealers (including Honda) seem to still have some 2003s around which is not a good sign.
joey : The 3.5 has many improvements over the 3.4L, they are not as similar as you say. I think VUE sales to date this year are in the 70-80K range.
Yeah, I just got the latest Automotive News and read the rebates, DCX is the one really cranking them up. Pacifica has $3,500 already! Sheesh, and it's new!
$5,500 on left over 2003 Grand Caravans. Yikes.
The new Malibu has $1000, vs. $3000 for the outgoing model. Aveo also already had $1000.
So I'll stick to my guns and predict the Nox will get $1000 back almost immediately. TrailBlazer gets $2500 off and the Nox may or may not match that depending on sales.
My boss bought a 03 Windstar in September and got C$8000 in rebates for cash on top of what he negotiated. I was tempted to go get one since they were basically giving them away!
Dindak: if Vue's sold 80K already, I'd assume half have to be 4cyl. If Saturn's only getting 50K Honda engines, they're gonna be all gone by spring. Nothing wrong with the 3.4 or 3.5 but GM's gotta get out of the cast iron business. I doubt Toyota, Honda or any Euro make even have cast iron blocks anymore (well, maybe diesel). Probably why Honda wanted the Izuzu motor. But GM can't give a mini-van away and it's gonna be a repeat performance for the '04 model. Why spend engineering dollars on a mini-van few want, Put the R&R into engines. At least Hondas and Toyota are going up-scale on their vans, probably only build less then last year but they'll be expensive high profit units. You got 6 manufactures putting 500K units for sale flooding the market.
ateixeira : Rebate on 04 Ventures is only C$2000 up here right now. C$5500 on 03s but there aren't any left that I can find on-line.
joey : Why does GM have to get out of the cast iron business? If an engine like the new 3.5L can be built for less $, is smooth and reliable and gets the best mileage in the Malibu for any midsize car why would you get rid of it? It's like my Opa used to say.. just because it's new doesn't make it better. Take a 3.5L out for a test and see for yourself!
Thinking like that put Olds where it is now. If the 3.5L is so cheap, why isn't Malibu cheaper in it's class. Same with my CRV example. What's the extra value in the Nox for the 3K price difference over the Honda? I only come up with styling and that's each persons personal taste. Wouldn't a lighter engine make for even better gas mileage? The Cadillac 3.6L DOHC all aluminum engine is a nice power plant for the GM models out of our price range. i-VTEC technology started out in the NSX and now I can get it in the Civic and CRV. In the V, I get 162 lb of torque @3600RPM and only 160 HP. So Honda can give a high revving DOHC engine a nice flat torque curve just like the OHV's. The two basic 4cyl and V6 engines serve all Honda and Accura models. That efficency that gets reflected in the MSRP. GM makes old technology in Mexico and China and still doesn't give us value. Kia and Hyundia's cheap prices made more of an impact on the consumer then the poor quality ratings and even they increased market share. In today's market saying it's good enough, ain't good enough. Even the soccer moms want to see quality engineering and that means more then the number of cup holders.
The Malibu is the cheapest car in class (excluding the Koreans who have cheap cheap labor), about $2-4K less than Camcords. Basically the list for Malibu V6 LS is the same price as a 4 banger Camry. Don't know about the U.S., but in Canada, the AWD Equinox starts about C$2000 less than a CR-V. Comprably equipped they are about the same price list here but given you can get more off a NOX, I guess it would be cheaper. You are right, the NOX is not cheap BUT, GM has a good name in trucks unlike cars so my theory is they are scooping as much profit as they can out of this truck. Also, aside for the engine, the NOX is pretty state of the art from what I can see so far. By the way, GM makes OHV engines in the US and Canada also.
joey: there are a few exceptions, the straight 6 in the Lexus IS300 and GS300 has an iron block. So does VW's 1.8T, and both are fine engines. Suzuki Vitara also IIRC.
Gimme an alloy block any day, though, I don't like nose-heavy cars and light weight should be a priority.
Still, the V6 in the Malibu impressed me with its torque, and fuel efficiency is excellent. CR said it was the most fuel efficient V6 they've tested, and it actually beat the Accord and Camry FOUR cylinders in that area.
GM pulled a rabbit out of a hat, with an old-tech pushrod iron block!
Strictly talking MSRP here (US prices) Honda web site: I pick top CRV, EX with auto to match Nox 23K wth destination. Plus I get side air bags, moonroof. I don't get fog lights and 16" wheels like the LT, big deal. Only a 4 spd auto, but the 5spd doesn't even help the NOX's EPA. Local Honda ad in NY paper had EX @ 22,188 (asssume no dest so add $500 = $22,700) The US chevy web site says $23,900 for AWD LT so it's already a grand more. Side air bags and moonroof will cost at least a grand more, but because of the option groups, you gotta take leather or some other stuff to get those, so figure 2K in options. So for what I want, no bargain. Plus the honda's got better EPA and more interior cargo volume. Can you hear me whine: Where's my cahsback?
The cord/Bu compare is more difficult. But Cord wins base price over Bu in the 4cyl version. (same EPA's) The V6 cord bases at 23.3K the LT 23,495 (yes the LS is 21K, but we gotta compare option lists). I'm going cross-eyed looking at numbers on cars I have no interest in buying, but Isn't the Accord slightly larger? I wonder which would do better at the test track. Hmmm. I'll wait for a Car&Driver compare to settle this face off!
The Malibu isn't a bad car, I just think the Opel versions look better and I think GM should start looking at the 3.2 V6 that Opel has. I'm not a big fan of the Accord's last visual upgrade also. The tail stinks. Now if you want to talk about the Acura TL and TSX, there you're talk'n fine jewel of a car.
Nah, you should settle it by driving them for yourself. What if you disagree with them? You can't just take their word for it, let personal tastes prevail! )
Comments
ateixeira : Hope Nissan doesn't make the Pathfinder wierd like the Murano and Quest. Pathfinder is really one of the nicest looking SUVs on the road.
http://www.wieck.com/public/*2PV_062778
Only thing I don't like are those Jeep Liberty tail lights.
dindak: did you see the Dunehawk concept? The Pathfinder is inspired by that, which looks nothing like the rounded off Murano and Quest. It'll be on a truck platform, vs. the current unibody, too. I expect a blocky/aggressive style more like the Armada.
AWD shouldn't cost a full $2 grand. I'd guess half that. 4WD Chevys usually come with skid plates and beefed up suspensions that I doubt the Nox will get.
-juice
$2000 rebate before the end of the model year. Anyone wanna bet a beer?
-juice
Up here the AWD Trailblazer starts at around C$36K. The AWD NOX starts around C$28K so I'm not sure where they are almost the same price.
I think it's very competitively priced (up here anyway). I'll be looking at them when shopping
ateixeira : Have not seen the Dunehawk. Hoping for the best on the Pathfinder. ;-)
http://www.edmunds.com/news/autoshows/articles/100537/page023.htm- l
-juice
bigdaddy : Incentives are always more in the U.S. Malibu has no cash back up here and 0% for 48/ 3.9% for 60 mo. That's it. Selling with out them according to the sales guy I talked to.
wheelz : I forgot about that, I meant to stop and see yesterday. Hopefully I will be down next week again. I'd love to see it again, it's total eye candy.
that comment is applicable to many GM vehicles. It probably isn't as big a deal with the Equinox as it is for a say, Grand Prix, but yeah, IT DOES MATTER.
GM must be building 5k worth of incentives into sticker on all their vehicles now.
Even if that was true, wouldn't that be a good thing for you the consumer?
We believe Equinox provides a perfect balance of style, comfort and SUV capabilities, said Brent Dewar, Chevrolet general manager. A spacious interior, excellent ride and handling, and terrific looks will help Equinox set a new standard for compact sport utility vehicles.
Equinox is offered in LS and LT models. The MSRP for the LS model is $21,560, while the LT model carries an MSRP of $23,275. Prices include a $565 destination charge.
Equinox features a standard 3400 V-6 engine mated to an Aisin-Warner five-speed automatic transmission. The 185-horsepower engine features a broad torque curve for confident merging and passing, and the transmission has an adaptive learning capacity to ensure shift quality is maintained throughout the vehicles service life.
The Equinox LS standard features include a split-folding sliding rear seat, 16-inch wheels, power windows, remote keyless entry and an AM/FM stereo with CD player. The LT offers additional standard features including cruise control, deep tinted glass, fog lamps, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels and a monochromatic exterior. Both models will be available with an on-demand all-wheel drive option.
The long 112-inch wheelbase and wide stance of Equinox help create a spacious interior and contribute to a controlled ride and confident handling.
A number of unique interior features enhance the vehicles functionality. The Multi-Flex sliding rear seat travels 8 inches for up to 35 cubic feet of cargo capability or limousine-like legroom (nearly 43 inches) for rear-seat passengers. The rear cargo panel system provides multi-level storage, and does duty as a security cover and a tailgating table. In addition, the center console armrest provides concealed storage for smaller items, while the floor storage bin below accommodates larger items such as a backpack.
Equinox offers a great selection of optional equipment, including 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, side head-curtain air bags, leather seating, heated front seats, a six-way power drivers seat and a power sunroof. Also available is an AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, an in-dash six-disc CD player, and a seven-speaker premium sound system. Equinox will also offer OnStar and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only).
Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway for front-wheel drive and 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the all-wheel drive.
link
Thanks.
tidester, host
This is why I say the Malibu 3.5L would be best. Actually, the in-line 4 and 5s from the new Colorado would be even better come to think of it!!
"Even if that was true, wouldn't that be a good thing for you the consumer?"
it would make a lot more sense to match the MSRP to their real worth to begin with......
20k+ cavaliers.......need I say more?
in the end the vehicle mostly sells for its real worth value anyways........i just would say that when folks look at a sticker price on a vehicle thats grossly overpriced it conveys a different impression than if the sticker matches the perceived value much better.
people just think its an absurd joke when the cars are stickered so horribly off what the real value is.
its kind of a walmart / kohls mentality. it might get certain types to get excited about average product but it doesn't do much to add value to the brand.
hell, i own a mitsubishi and they are doing the same thing right now. 3k owner loyalty rebates on top of 4k rebates.....great deal sure......but just price the car at the 'real price' to begin with.
thing is, this is the core of GM's whole sales strategy right now. Has nothing to do with whether the product is any good. Just mark it down more like the sunday afternoon end to a weekend rummage sale.
Instead of offering 5k on incentives, they would be wiser to upgrade the plastics and powertrains, and firm up the seats and handling and steering. ANd try not to make ugly vehicles. That might cost em only 1500 more, but then those rebates may not even be needed to sell the vehicle.....
Joey : Resale SHOULD be the difference between what you pay and what you sell for. If that was the case, GM would not be as bad as is reported. In my eyes, if I paid $3000 less for my Alero and got 0% for 60 months then I should expect to get that much less when I sell. Only makes sense.
As for price, you are assuming you will pay list for an Equinox. I think you can easily negotiate 10% off that like any other GM. Honda pricing is much more sticky.
So that means paying $250 in extra state sales tax.
And for no good reason - MSRP was grossly overpriced in the first place, if you have to knock off $5 grand.
I still contend that they build these rebates into the price, i.e. it's artificially inflated so people think they are getting discounts when really they aren't. The consumer loses - $250 in this case. The state coffers win.
19/24 is not bad for a V6, but given the HP numbers it could be better. The Malibu has more torque than an Accord but gets better mileage. It used to be the other way around.
Now that we know GM can do it, it's kind of disappointing.
-juice
But there are those who want to be the first on the block with a new model. GM will make a nice profit on them. If they crank out 100K units a year (almost double the Vue production, right?)
there might be enough inventory by the end of the summer to trigger some more discounts. I think there's nothing different between the 3.4 and 3.5L (92mm bore x 84mm stroke vs. 94mm bore x 84mm stroke.) That better power to weight ratio would boost MPG. The 3.5L is made in MEXICO and only used in the Malibu this year. All they had to do was send the bigger drill bit to China!
So dealers make a killer profit once, never to see that customer again. And that's good for GM?
-juice
joey : The 3.5 has many improvements over the 3.4L, they are not as similar as you say. I think VUE sales to date this year are in the 70-80K range.
$5,500 on left over 2003 Grand Caravans. Yikes.
The new Malibu has $1000, vs. $3000 for the outgoing model. Aveo also already had $1000.
So I'll stick to my guns and predict the Nox will get $1000 back almost immediately. TrailBlazer gets $2500 off and the Nox may or may not match that depending on sales.
-juice
-juice
joey : Why does GM have to get out of the cast iron business? If an engine like the new 3.5L can be built for less $, is smooth and reliable and gets the best mileage in the Malibu for any midsize car why would you get rid of it? It's like my Opa used to say.. just because it's new doesn't make it better. Take a 3.5L out for a test and see for yourself!
Gimme an alloy block any day, though, I don't like nose-heavy cars and light weight should be a priority.
Still, the V6 in the Malibu impressed me with its torque, and fuel efficiency is excellent. CR said it was the most fuel efficient V6 they've tested, and it actually beat the Accord and Camry FOUR cylinders in that area.
GM pulled a rabbit out of a hat, with an old-tech pushrod iron block!
-juice
23K wth destination. Plus I get side air bags, moonroof. I don't get fog lights and 16" wheels like the LT, big deal. Only a 4 spd auto, but the 5spd doesn't even help the NOX's EPA. Local Honda ad in NY paper had EX @ 22,188 (asssume no dest so add $500 = $22,700)
The US chevy web site says $23,900 for AWD LT so it's already a grand more. Side air bags and moonroof will cost at least a grand more, but because of the option groups, you gotta take leather or some other stuff to get those, so figure 2K in options. So for what I want, no bargain. Plus the honda's got better EPA and more interior cargo volume. Can you hear me whine: Where's my cahsback?
The cord/Bu compare is more difficult. But Cord wins base price over Bu in the 4cyl version. (same EPA's) The V6 cord bases at 23.3K the LT 23,495 (yes the LS is 21K, but we gotta compare option lists). I'm going cross-eyed looking at numbers on cars I have no interest in buying, but Isn't the Accord slightly larger? I wonder which would do better at the test track. Hmmm. I'll wait for a Car&Driver compare to settle this face off!
The Malibu isn't a bad car, I just think the Opel versions look better
and I think GM should start looking at the 3.2 V6 that Opel has. I'm not a big fan of the Accord's last visual upgrade also. The tail stinks. Now if you want to talk about the Acura TL and TSX, there you're talk'n fine jewel of a car.
-juice